Next of Kin (and relationship): Mrs Mary Theresa Gallagher (Mother)
Date of enlistment: 17-8-42
City and province of enlistment: Winnipeg, Mb
Essay
James Cornelius Gallagher
James Cornelius Gallagher was a brave St. Paul’s Crusader and he should be remembered as a hero. Gallagher fought hard in the Second World War for the country of Canada. Gallagher was a part of the 432 Squadron Overseas. He tragically died on September 16th 1944 in a plane accident. He was buried in Denmark.
James Gallagher was born on August 1, 1912 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents names were Mary Gallagher and James Gallagher. He grew up on 230 Garfield Street in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg. Gallagher had two brothers and 2 sisters, William, John, and two sisters who are only listed as Mrs John Quinn and Mrs J.L. Hay. James Gallagher had red hair, blue eyes, and was 5 feet 5 and 128 pounds. He took grades one to eight at St. Mary’s School, and then attended St. Paul’s for grades nine and ten. He was Roman Catholic. Gallagher took a wide variety of subjects, based on his Military Records it appears that he wanted to join the Air Force all along because he took lots of courses like Engine Mechanics and Aeronautics and had a Priority Pilots License. He took a technical course at Spartan Air School from 1939 to 1940. Outside of school, Gallagher was extensively involved in both swimming and tennis and he said he played other sports too when possible. His military records show that James Gallagher was a well rounded kid who would have been a good fit for the RCAF. (All from Records)
Looking at James Gallagher`s records he looks like a good kid, he was well rounded because he did well in school, took a lot of courses related to the air force, and played sports, and also was described as a good kid. Gallagher was keen to join the air force, and this seems similar to a lot of young men at the time. I can relate to James Gallagher, we both are from Winnipeg and went to SPHS, both of us are guys who love sports, except Gallagher obviously is much braver because it took a lot of courage to dedicate your life to serving your country. I can say that I am proud to go to the same high school as James Cornelius Gallagher.
Gallagher enlisted to join the air force on Sept 20th 1941. He was described as “good pilot material” (Records). He was an aircraft engine mechanic. RCAF training would have made sure that Gallagher was ready to enter the war, they went through flying school and learned how to fly Halifax VII planes. These planes were British heavy bombers which began service in 1941 and could drop bombs weighing as much as 6,000 pounds (Halifax Aircraft). Gallagher was assigned to the 432 Squadron Overseas and was definitely a good addition to the squadron because of his experience with planes before entering the war. Gallagher was only 29 years old when entering the RCAF, and was excited to join even though there were a lot of dangers.
James Gallagher was tragically killed on Sept 16th 1944. His plane was shot down, Officer Leblanc, Sgt MacCarthy, Gallagher and three others listed as “unknown” were all reported dead on September 16th after the 432 Squadron was on a Halifax plane mission and they were carrying out bombing operations over Kiel, England. It would be hard for his family to get the letter saying James was killed in the war. His grave is at Aabenraa Cemetery in Denmark at Grave 5, Row 5 (Aabenra Cemetery). Aabenraa is in Jutland, on the main round from Germany into Denmark. He can be found on page 311 of the WW2 Book of Remembrance (Book of Remembrance). Gallagher’s death was tragic and I can not even believe being the parent of a man like Gallagher who was 32 years old and still had many years ahead. It`d be even worse that they didn`t even find his body because it was too mangled to be identified. Gallagher served over two years bravely for his country and it is sad to me that he was just killed in a bombing operation and his parents had to hear about the loss and didn`t even know what exactly happened to him.
James Gallagher was a St. Paul’s alumni, a true hero and a brave man. James grew up in Wolseley as a young man playing tennis and swimming, he took aircraft training and joined the RCAF at age 29. He was tragically killed at age 32 and should be remembered as hero.
Military Service Record
Age (at death): 32
Force: RCAF
Unit: 432 SQDN Overseas
Service Number: J86981
Honours and Awards: Pilot flying badge, 39-45 star, France and Germany star, Defence medal, General service medal, and the Canadian volunteer service medal
Next of Kin (and relationship): Mrs Mary Theresa Gallagher (Mother)
Medals:
39-45 Star
Volunteer Service Medal
Defense Medal
General Service Medal
Pilot's Badge
Date of Death: September 16th, 1944
Country of Burial: Denmark
Cemetery: Aabenraa Cemetary
Grave Reference:Grave 5, Row 5
Location: Aabenra is in Jutland, on the main road from Germany into Denmark, about 24 km north of the frontier
Book of Remembrance: Page 311
Grave Reference
Name of Cemetery: Aabenraa Cemetary
Grave Reference: Grave 5, Row 5
Gallagher's House:
230 Garfield Street, Google Maps
Additional information/links
Works Cited
“Aabenraa Cemetery.” WW2 Museums. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.ww2museums.com/article/2519/Commonwealth-War-Graves-Aabenraa.htm>. Talks about where Gallagher was buried, in Aabenraa Cemetery in Denmark, and shows the place on google maps
“British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.” Veterans Affairs Canada. N.p., 1 Oct. 2011. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/history/secondWar/bcatp/page1>. This page talks about how the soldiers were trained for the air force, and I can use it for talking about what it’s like to train for the air force
“James Cornelius Gallagher.” CWGC. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead/casualty/2270744/GALLAGHER,%20JAMES%20CORNELIUS>. Gives info about James Gallagher’s grave.
“1944.” Book of Remembrance. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2012. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/images/collections/books/bww2/ww2311.jpg>. Page 311 of ww2 Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, it shows the name of James Cornelius Gallagher
“Second World War.” Royal Canadian Air Force. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2011. <http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/hst/page-eng.asp?id=890>. Gives info of the RCAF in the second world war
“6 Group Bomber Command RCAF.” 6 Group Bomber Command RCAF. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2012. <http://6grouprcaf.com/left.html>. Great website about the 6 group RCAF bombing command. It gives records of daily operations of the group, the purpose of the group and lots of good info
Archival Reference:
Military service files of James Cornelius Gallagher (R186693 Box 5855-37) obtained from Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Service Personnel Information
Name: James Cornelius Gallagher
Service Regimental Number: J86981 (R186693)
Rank: Corperal, A.C.2
Height/weight: 5’ 5” 128 pounds
Colour of eyes: Blue
Marital status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Address: 230 Garfield St
Next of Kin (and relationship): Mrs Mary Theresa Gallagher (Mother)
Date of enlistment: 17-8-42
City and province of enlistment: Winnipeg, Mb
Essay
James Cornelius GallagherJames Cornelius Gallagher was a brave St. Paul’s Crusader and he should be remembered as a hero. Gallagher fought hard in the Second World War for the country of Canada. Gallagher was a part of the 432 Squadron Overseas. He tragically died on September 16th 1944 in a plane accident. He was buried in Denmark.
James Gallagher was born on August 1, 1912 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents names were Mary Gallagher and James Gallagher. He grew up on 230 Garfield Street in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg. Gallagher had two brothers and 2 sisters, William, John, and two sisters who are only listed as Mrs John Quinn and Mrs J.L. Hay. James Gallagher had red hair, blue eyes, and was 5 feet 5 and 128 pounds. He took grades one to eight at St. Mary’s School, and then attended St. Paul’s for grades nine and ten. He was Roman Catholic. Gallagher took a wide variety of subjects, based on his Military Records it appears that he wanted to join the Air Force all along because he took lots of courses like Engine Mechanics and Aeronautics and had a Priority Pilots License. He took a technical course at Spartan Air School from 1939 to 1940. Outside of school, Gallagher was extensively involved in both swimming and tennis and he said he played other sports too when possible. His military records show that James Gallagher was a well rounded kid who would have been a good fit for the RCAF. (All from Records)
Looking at James Gallagher`s records he looks like a good kid, he was well rounded because he did well in school, took a lot of courses related to the air force, and played sports, and also was described as a good kid. Gallagher was keen to join the air force, and this seems similar to a lot of young men at the time. I can relate to James Gallagher, we both are from Winnipeg and went to SPHS, both of us are guys who love sports, except Gallagher obviously is much braver because it took a lot of courage to dedicate your life to serving your country. I can say that I am proud to go to the same high school as James Cornelius Gallagher.
Gallagher enlisted to join the air force on Sept 20th 1941. He was described as “good pilot material” (Records). He was an aircraft engine mechanic. RCAF training would have made sure that Gallagher was ready to enter the war, they went through flying school and learned how to fly Halifax VII planes. These planes were British heavy bombers which began service in 1941 and could drop bombs weighing as much as 6,000 pounds (Halifax Aircraft). Gallagher was assigned to the 432 Squadron Overseas and was definitely a good addition to the squadron because of his experience with planes before entering the war. Gallagher was only 29 years old when entering the RCAF, and was excited to join even though there were a lot of dangers.
James Gallagher was tragically killed on Sept 16th 1944. His plane was shot down, Officer Leblanc, Sgt MacCarthy, Gallagher and three others listed as “unknown” were all reported dead on September 16th after the 432 Squadron was on a Halifax plane mission and they were carrying out bombing operations over Kiel, England. It would be hard for his family to get the letter saying James was killed in the war. His grave is at Aabenraa Cemetery in Denmark at Grave 5, Row 5 (Aabenra Cemetery). Aabenraa is in Jutland, on the main round from Germany into Denmark. He can be found on page 311 of the WW2 Book of Remembrance (Book of Remembrance). Gallagher’s death was tragic and I can not even believe being the parent of a man like Gallagher who was 32 years old and still had many years ahead. It`d be even worse that they didn`t even find his body because it was too mangled to be identified. Gallagher served over two years bravely for his country and it is sad to me that he was just killed in a bombing operation and his parents had to hear about the loss and didn`t even know what exactly happened to him.
James Gallagher was a St. Paul’s alumni, a true hero and a brave man. James grew up in Wolseley as a young man playing tennis and swimming, he took aircraft training and joined the RCAF at age 29. He was tragically killed at age 32 and should be remembered as hero.Military Service Record
Age (at death): 32
Force: RCAF
Unit: 432 SQDN Overseas
Service Number: J86981
Honours and Awards: Pilot flying badge, 39-45 star, France and Germany star, Defence medal, General service medal, and the Canadian volunteer service medal
Next of Kin (and relationship): Mrs Mary Theresa Gallagher (Mother)
Medals:
Date of Death: September 16th, 1944
Country of Burial: Denmark
Cemetery: Aabenraa Cemetary
Grave Reference:Grave 5, Row 5
Location: Aabenra is in Jutland, on the main road from Germany into Denmark, about 24 km north of the frontier
Book of Remembrance: Page 311
Grave Reference
Name of Cemetery: Aabenraa Cemetary
Grave Reference: Grave 5, Row 5
Gallagher's House:
Additional information/links
Works Cited
“Aabenraa Cemetery.” WW2 Museums. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.ww2museums.com/article/2519/Commonwealth-War-Graves-Aabenraa.htm>. Talks about where Gallagher was buried, in Aabenraa Cemetery in Denmark, and shows the place on google maps
“British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.” Veterans Affairs Canada. N.p., 1 Oct. 2011. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/history/secondWar/bcatp/page1>. This page talks about how the soldiers were trained for the air force, and I can use it for talking about what it’s like to train for the air force
“James Cornelius Gallagher.” CWGC. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead/casualty/2270744/GALLAGHER,%20JAMES%20CORNELIUS>. Gives info about James Gallagher’s grave.
“1944.” Book of Remembrance. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2012. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/images/collections/books/bww2/ww2311.jpg>. Page 311 of ww2 Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, it shows the name of James Cornelius Gallagher
“Second World War.” Royal Canadian Air Force. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2011. <http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/hst/page-eng.asp?id=890>. Gives info of the RCAF in the second world war
“6 Group Bomber Command RCAF.” 6 Group Bomber Command RCAF. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2012. <http://6grouprcaf.com/left.html>. Great website about the 6 group RCAF bombing command. It gives records of daily operations of the group, the purpose of the group and lots of good infoArchival Reference:
Military service files of James Cornelius Gallagher (R186693 Box 5855-37) obtained from Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario.